The Point-Counterpoint Speech
When discussing persuasive speaking it is often said that two of the most effective ways to ensure that your audience will be persuaded are refutation and inoculation.
Refutation simply means responding to or clashing with the known arguments that are contrary to the point you are trying to make.
Inoculation is perhaps a bit more novel. Inoculation is tactic by which a speaker attempts to provide his or her audience with the information necessary to respond to counter arguments they might hear in the future. In that way it is similar to being inoculated against a virus.
The point-counterpoint speech affords students the ability to practice both of these persuasion tactics.
Rationale: Persuasive speaking requires a speaker to do far more than present an argument and hope the audience is convinced. Persuasion is in many ways like a game of chess, our arguments and our words like pawns. Persuasion is psychological. Just as becoming a master chess player requires great practice and the mastery of numerous techniques, becoming a successful orator requires speakers to practice and master a number of strategies. Two important strategies are refutation and inoculation. A speaker must be able to demonstrate to her or his audience the flaws and weaknesses in the common arguments of those who disagree with the message being presented. However, sometimes the opposition is not so well known. In such situations, a talented speaker will offer his audience enough information to successfully combat future attempts at undoing the persuasion. Developing a proficiency for refutation and inoculation will enable students to better defend and support their ideas.
The Assignment:
To begin this assignment, each pair of students should select a topic. This topic should have equal ground on each side in order to allow for sufficient clash.
Once you have selected your topic, you will need to determine which side of the issue will be handled by which of you and in what order you will speak. For example, if the topic is gun control, who will speak in favor of gun control and who will speak against it, and who will speak first?
You should then independently research and develop three arguments that support your position in the speech.
You should then inform your partner of the arguments you intend to make during the speech. Now, you should research and prepare responses to arguments that will be made by your partner.
You are now ready to begin preparing your speech. During your speech you will need to present your own arguments as well as respond to the arguments of your partner. Your speech should last 4-6 minutes.
Evaluation of this speech will focus on three factors. First, you will be evaluated on your delivery. An important aspect of persuasion is connecting with and communicating effectively to an audience. This makes delivery a very important aspect of persuasion. Second, you will be evaluated on the quality of arguments you present supporting your side of the issue. These arguments should be well researched and supported by strong evidence. Finally, you will be evaluated on your ability to respond the arguments of your partner. Responses should also be well researched and supported by strong evidence.
When discussing persuasive speaking it is often said that two of the most effective ways to ensure that your audience will be persuaded are refutation and inoculation.
Refutation simply means responding to or clashing with the known arguments that are contrary to the point you are trying to make.
Inoculation is perhaps a bit more novel. Inoculation is tactic by which a speaker attempts to provide his or her audience with the information necessary to respond to counter arguments they might hear in the future. In that way it is similar to being inoculated against a virus.
The point-counterpoint speech affords students the ability to practice both of these persuasion tactics.
Rationale: Persuasive speaking requires a speaker to do far more than present an argument and hope the audience is convinced. Persuasion is in many ways like a game of chess, our arguments and our words like pawns. Persuasion is psychological. Just as becoming a master chess player requires great practice and the mastery of numerous techniques, becoming a successful orator requires speakers to practice and master a number of strategies. Two important strategies are refutation and inoculation. A speaker must be able to demonstrate to her or his audience the flaws and weaknesses in the common arguments of those who disagree with the message being presented. However, sometimes the opposition is not so well known. In such situations, a talented speaker will offer his audience enough information to successfully combat future attempts at undoing the persuasion. Developing a proficiency for refutation and inoculation will enable students to better defend and support their ideas.
The Assignment: